The Region
Benishangul-Gumuz is a regional state in western Ethiopia, bordering Sudan to the west, Amhara to the north and east, and Oromia to the south and east.
Land and rivers
Land and rivers
The Abay (Blue Nile) crosses the region from east to west and divides it in two. Its tributaries — the Beles, Dabus and others — water lowlands, river valleys and green hills. More than 60 percent of the land is covered with forest, including large areas of lowland bamboo.
Administration
Zones and special woredas
The capital is Asosa. The region is organised into three zones — Asosa, Kamashi and Metekel — and two special woredas, Mao-Komo and Pawe.
Asosa Zone
Home of the regional capital Asosa and the Berta heartland, with markets, gold-bearing hills and the Dabus river.
Kamashi Zone
Forested lowlands south of the Abay, home of many Gumuz communities.
Metekel Zone
The Beles and Abay valleys, Gilgel Beles town and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at Guba.
Mao-Komo Special Woreda
The southern special woreda of the Mao and Komo peoples.
Pawe Special Woreda
A fertile farming area in the Beles valley.
Pride of the nation
The Renaissance Dam
Built on the Abay in Guba Woreda, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is the largest hydropower plant in Africa. It supplies electricity across Ethiopia and its reservoir opens new opportunities for fishing, transport and tourism.